Photo Credit: Will Okun[/caption]By: Jason Slaughter
On Friday, February 13, the OHS Panther’s varsity basketball team fell in a tough loss at Cedar Ridge High School and ended an eight-game win streak with a score of 63-69.
The mighty Panthers came out to a great start, led by 1000-point scorer Jawan Chambers. Logan Vosburgh and Garrett Cloer were key on rebounds and offensive boards to take Orange into halftime with a fifteen-point lead.
In the second half, it was a real battle at the Ridge. Cedar Ridge junior Payton Pappas was lighting the three-point line up to bring his team within ten going into the fourth quarter. Sophomore guard Connor Crabtree was quiet in the first half but came up big with his clean passes to a lightning-fast Tay Jones and the wide-open Chambers. Juniors Jace Jordan-Cornell and Demares Drummond were crucial coming off the bench.
Since the two teams were consistently neck and neck, the crowd cheered loudly throughout the game. Cedar Ridge came back to take the lead with one minute to go, and, when Jones fouled out, it looked unpromising for the Panthers, but that didn’t stop them. A quick three by Crabtree brought the score to 63-66 in favor of the Red Wolves.
With 20 seconds to go, Cedar Ridge got a fast break, and Crabtree was in the chase but was a little too late. He had to end up fouling for a chance to add three to their lead with an extra shot at the free-throw line. The score stuck at 63-69 while Pappas started to run the clock out, and the Panthers fell short.
When asked about the game, Brendan Huss said, “I thought the game was real loud and hype. I didn’t think they could come back from our fifteen-point lead.” Crabtree added, “We lost a hard one today, but we got to look forward going into the conference tournament.”
The Orange Panthers will take on Northern Guilford High School in the first round of the state playoffs here at home, so don’t miss it.
Photo Credit: Maddie Norwood[/caption]Senior football player Garrett Cloer received the WRAL Extra Effort Award on Tuesday, November 25. The award was presented to him by Football Friday host Tom Suiter at OHS, and Mark Holt, also a senior, nominated Cloer for the award. The segment featuring Cloer’s win aired on November 26 at approximately 6:25 pm on WRAL. Cloer plans to play football for Cornell University in the fall.
Cloer, the number 12 quarterback for the varsity football team, was surprised and excited to win the award because it was “not something I saw coming,” he said. He learned that he had won on Monday when Assistant Principal Will Okun called him out of class to tell him. “He called me out of class, and I didn’t know what about, so I was kind of searching for what it might be about, but it turned out to be something good, which I was happy with,” he stated.
Cloer is ready to play for Cornell. He would like to “start as soon as possible and make an impact on the team.” He first played football when he was 10 as part of an Orange County recreational team. He continued to play in middle school and high school. One of the joys of football is “how close it brings our friendships,” he said. He also loves the intensity of the sport and how difficult it is.
It is unusual for a team member to nominate an athlete. Usually, coaches or teachers nominate students. Suiter said that it is “very seldom” this occurs and it “shows class.”
Holt met Cloer in 4th grade when they joined the same baseball team. After playing sports with Cloer for so long, he thought that Cloer should win the award in his senior year. Like Cloer, he didn’t know who had been chosen for the award until Monday. He is “happy [that Cloer won] cause he deserved it.”
Students are nominated using a form on the WRAL.com website. Suiter estimated that he received 150 nominations last year and chose 35 students. The award is given out weekly. Previous students from OHS that have received the award include Madison Chandler, Patrick Pettiford, and Jamie Lea.
Photo Credit: Will Okun[/caption]To someone reading the stats, the Orange Panthers would have seemed to struggle mightily against cross town rival and fellow Big Eight conference member Cedar Ridge on Friday night. The Panthers managed to just get two first downs and run only 13 offensive games before lightning and rain forced the game to be called with 5:20 remaining in the second quarter.
However, it was the exact opposite, as the Panthers' explosive offense raced out to a 35 to 13 lead over the Red Wolves, which is where the score ended.
Orange was led by senior running back Tay Jones, who scored three touchdowns, including two rushing from eight and 73 yards, while also taking a 97-yard kickoff return to the end zone.
Jones would finish the game with 89 yards on just five carries, while the other Orange scores came on runs of 72 and 15 yards from Eryk Brandon-Dean and Mike Bolden respectively.
Jones' kickoff return fired up the Panthers following a Cedar Ridge opening drive that went 73 yards on five plays and was capped by a Peyton Pappas scramper from 12 yards out.
Following a Cedar Ridge three-and-out on the next possession, Jones followed his blocking around the right edge all the way to the end zone on his 73-yard run.
Cedar Ridge would answer on the following possession and again sustain a long drive as they went 77 yards on 10 plays, this time culminating with a five-yard strike from Pappas to a wide open Marquez Hunter.
Those would be the last points put on the board by Cedar Ridge; following a failed extra point, Orange took the first play from scrimmage to the end zone on Brandon-Dean's quick steps and elusive moves. This led to a 72-yard run to put the Panthers up 21 to 13.
After the Bolden touchdown and a fumble on the ensuing kickoff by the Red Wolves at the 24-yard line, the Panthers were looking to again score quickly. However, a pair of sacks, a penalty, and an incomplete pass led to 4th and 25 for the Panthers.
Orange would be able to convert though, as senior quarterback Garrett Cloer found Bryse Wilson across the middle for a 32-yard gain. Jones would take it in for a score on the next play, before the game would be stopped and eventually called.
Photo Credit: Will Okun[/caption]The crowd at Auman Stadium watched with anticipation as the time was winding down until the homecoming announcement was made on October 24. By the time it was halftime and Megan Joyner was crowned the 2014 Homecoming Queen, the Orange Panthers had mounted a 35 to 0 lead over J.F. Webb.
The Panthers' first quarter scores came on a touchdown pass from Garrett Cloer to Eryk Brandon-Dean, a 2-yard run by Michael Bolden, a 15-yard run by Brandon-Dean and an 11-yard run by Cloer.
The Panthers' final score of the half would come on a 2-yard Bolden run, following a 45-yard pass from Cloer to a diving Austin Wood.
Orange dominated the entire contest in route to a 49 to 0 win that moved them to 9-0 overall and 5-0 in conference this season.
The Panthers travel to Raleigh to take on 6-2 Cardinal Gibbons on October 31 at 7 pm.
Photo Credit: Will Okun.[/caption]Friday, November 8, the Orange High School Panther football team defeated Rocky Mount 31 to 3 in the first round of the NC 3AA playoffs. The win came one week after the Panthers suffered their first loss of the season against Southern Durham, and moved the team to 11-1.
Orange’s defense recovered from giving up 55 points against Southern Durham, to hold an explosive offense to just 229 yards from scrimmage, and one field goal. The defense was helped by a fast start from the offense and junior quarterback Garrett Cloer, who found Artrell Stewart for a 44 yard touchdown with eight minutes left in the first quarter.
Cloer would finish the game with two touchdowns and 280 yards, while completing 10 of 20 passes. Orange junior running back Tay Jones also played a big game on offense, accounting for 117 total yards of offense and three touchdowns, while breaking several Gryphon tackles.
Despite beginning three drives in Panther territory in the first half, Rocky Mount was unable to get anything moving on offense. Rocky Mount quarterback Joshua Carter was pressured all night, contributing to him finishing with just 62 yards and completing 8 of 24 passes. Carter was also sacked seven times by the relentless Panthers front seven. The lone score for the Gryphons was scored by kicker Micah Varnell on a 34 yard field goal in the second quarter.
Sophomore linebacker Bryse Wilson, who had eight tackles and two pass deflections against Rocky Mount, spoke about some of the changes the team made after the Southern Durham game, saying, “We [Orange] put in a new speed defense and changed our man coverage.”
The Panthers would lead at halftime by a score of 21 to 3, and would score one more touchdown on a 26 yard touchdown run by Jones. The final points of the night came on a 32 yard field goal by senior Brad Barbee.
Wilson also says the team is prepared for their second round opponent Cleveland, saying, “We expect a lot of running. They have a good running back and a good running quarterback.”
Orange will be on the road for the second round, as the Panthers travel to Clayton to take on the number three seeded, 9-3 Rams of cleveland High School. The game will begin at 7:30 pm.
Tay Jones scores a 93 yard touchdown during Orange's 55 to 41 loss to Southern Durham. Photo Credit: Mr. Okun[/caption]Friday, November 8, the Orange High School football team suffered their first loss of the 2013 season, in a 55-41 shootout against Southern Durham. With the win Southern Durham earned the Big Eight conference championship and moved to 9-2 on the season and 7-0 in conference, while the loss put the Panthers at 10-1 and 6-1.
The previously undefeated Panthers began the game on defense, and were able to stall a Southern drive at the Orange 14 yard line, after Southern failed to convert on fourth down. Orange however was unable to stop the Spartans after this, as on their next possession, Southern Durham junior quarterback Kendall Hinton put the first points on the board on a 36 yard rushing touchdown. That was just the start of the scoring that occurred on Friday night.
Hinton, a junior, would finish with 428 yards and five touchdowns through the air, while also picking up another 128 yards and one touchdown rushing. The majority of Hinton’s passing yards went to Maurice Trowell, who caught eight passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns for the Spartans, and Derrick Mason who caught 10 for 157 and also brought in two touchdowns.
The Spartans would also score on their next three possessions and would take a 27 to 0 lead over the Panthers with 11 minutes left in the second quarter. The Orange offense would manage to put 13 points on the board by halftime on two Tay Jones touchdowns, a 93 yard rush, and a 29 yard pass for junior quarterback Garrett Cloer, but would trail at the end of the first half by a score of 34 to 13.
Cloer would end the game with 288 passing yards, which mostly came in the second half, and three touchdowns. While Jones, a junior running back, would finish with 119 yards and one touchdown on seven rushes, to go along with his 29 yard touchdown reception.
Orange sophomore linebacker Bryse Wilson credited Southern Durham’s start to speed and strategy, saying, “They [Southern Durham] were very fast! And they [Southern Durham] were replacing our blitz’s.” Wilson also spoke about some of the adjustment’s the Panthers made at half time saying, “On defense we put in our speed package and on offense we were able to pick up their blitz, and throw the ball.”
Those adjustment’s would pay off, as the Panthers’ came out in the second half and scored on their first possession on a five yard Patrick Pettiford run. The score would cut Southern’s lead to just 14. However, the teams would trade touchdowns on their next two possessions, including a 70 yard pass from Cloer to receiver Ky Muller, and a Pettiford four yard run that would make the game 48 to 34 at the end of the third quarter.
Pettiford, the other half of Orange’s running back duo, finished 78 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, while also catching a 76 yard touchdown pass.
The fourth quarter would not show a touchdown until Pettiford’s 76 yard catch from Cloer that came with three minutes left, which made the score 48 to 41 and cut Southern’s lead to under 10 points for the first time since the first quarter.
However that wouldn't last long as Southern would score the final points of the night, on a 44 yard pass from Hinton to Trowell that secured a 55 to 41 Southern victory.
Wilson believes that the loss will prepare Orange for the playoffs, saying, “We[Orange] will know how to keep up with the speed and we will see that we can lose, so I think we will come together more as a team in the playoffs.”
As for what Wilson’s playoff expectations are, he said, “I think that all of our games will be tough, but I think we will end up playing Southern Durham again in the regional semi-finals, and beating them.”
The Panthers’ will begin the North Carolina 3-AA playoffs on Friday, November 15, as the number six seed against 8-3 Rocky Mount. This game will at home, and will began at 7:30 pm.
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Friday, November 1, the Orange High School Panther football team took one more step on their way to an undefeated season, after beating Cardinal Gibbons 49 to 28 on senior night. The win improved the Panthers’ record to 10-0 overall and 6-0 in conference, while the loss put Cardinal Gibbons at 7-3 and 4-2. The win also guaranteed the Panthers a birth in the 3-A State Playoffs.
Orange was led by junior running back Tay Jones, who rushed for 255 yards and two touchdowns on just 17 carries. Senior running back Patrick Pettiford also had an impressive game, rushing for 103 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries, while also accumulating 75 yards and two touchdowns receiving. Panthers junior quarterback Garrett Cloer passed for 222 yards and four touchdowns, while completing 9 of 11 passes in another efficient outing. Orange receiver Ky Muller also had a big game, catching three passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns.
Orange had to overcome giving up 21 points in the first quarter, which matched the most the team has given up all season. At halftime the score was tied at 28, but the Panthers’ defense returned to regular form by shutting Gibbons out in the second half. Orange Head Coach Pat Moser spoke with the Herald Sun about the defense’s adjustments, saying, "We started putting the fastest guys we had on the team on DiMaggio, we rotated those guys every two or three plays. (DiMaggio) is phenomenal. Coach Smith, by adjusting and putting some speed on him and then we double-covered him, we were trying to keep the ball out of his hands."
Cardinal Gibbons’ senior quarterback Shawn Stankavage had a big game, despite being chased around by Panthers’ defenders all night. Stankavage threw for 416 yards and two touchdowns while completing 31 of 44 passes. He also rushed 26 times for another two touchdowns and 63 yards. Moser also spoke with the Herald Sun about Stankavage, saying, "The defense was shocked at the start of the game with Stankavage. Boy, he's something else. When he graduates, I'm going to go and make sure he crosses the stage and is out of there. I'm telling you what, he's a great quarterback and a great kid. I wish him well." Gibbons receiver Dante DiMaggio caught two of Stankavage’s touchdowns, on his way to a 14 catch, 262 yard night.
The Panthers play their final regular season game of the season on Friday, November 8 against 8-2 and 6-0 Southern Durham. This will most likely be the Panthers’ toughest game of the season, and will determine the champion of the Big Eight conference. Come support your Panthers at Southern Durham as the team goes for 11-0.
The Panthers’ defense continued its dominance over opposing offenses by intercepting Cedar Ridge quarterback Peyton Pappas four times. Sophomore Bryse Wilson intercepted one of the passes, while junior AJ Bradsher accounted for the other three interceptions and a fumble recovery in just his first varsity start. Bradsher spoke with the Herald Sun about his interceptions and said, “They just came to me, I didn’t think much.”
Head Coach Pat Moser also spoke with the Herald Sun about Bradsher’s performance, saying, “Three interceptions and a fumble recovery, and did you see the one he stuck with one hand? That was an amazing play. This kid has been waiting his turn and he had a great game. I’m very proud of him. He’s a great kid. He’s worked hard in the weight room and he’s done what we asked him.”
Orange’s offense was also a bright spot, with seven different players scoring touchdowns, including two each from running back duo Tay Jones and Patrick Pettiford. Quarterback Garrett Cloer again showed his accuracy, while throwing for 126 yards and five touchdowns on only seven passes. In total the Panthers gained 483 yards on offense, with 357 of them rushing.
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Quarterback Garrett Cloer prepares to throw a pass. Photo Credit: Will Okun[/caption]
Photo Credit: Will Okun[/caption]On Friday, October 4 the Orange High School Panther football team earned their sixth win of the season, defeating Northern Vance 56 to 0. The team played in front of a packed crowd as the school held its annual Homecoming game. It was also the 50th anniversary of the school opening.
Orange received another efficient game from junior quarterback Garrett Cloer who threw for 169 yards and two touchdowns, while completing nine of eleven passes. Senior Patrick Pettiford accounted for three Panther touchdowns, two while rushing for 71 yards, and another receiving.
The Panthers’ defense proved strong again with their third shutout of the season, while returning a fumble for a touchdown. The Panthers also played well on special teams receiving a 67-yard punt for a touchdown from senior JD Brooks, and a blocked punt by sophomore Bryse Wilson.
The Panthers next play on Friday, October 11 against cross-town rival Cedar Ridge at 7 pm.
JD Brooks running with the ball. Photo Credit: Mr. Okun.[/caption]Friday, September 27, the Orange High School Panther football team left Northwood High School with a 41 to 21 victory. The team improved to 5-0 overall and 1-0 in the conference. Northwood moved to 4-1 and 0-1.
Starring for the Panthers was junior running back, Tay Jones, who rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns, including an 88 yard touchdown run. Jones also broke off a 97 yard kickoff return for another touchdown.
Senior, JD Brooks, also played a huge part in the Panthers victory, intercepting two Northwood passes. Head coach, Pat Moser, has high regards for Brooks. “He’s a dangerous kid. He’s a Division I kid all the way,” Moser told the News and Observer.
Orange quarterback, Garrett Cloer, had an efficient game throwing the ball, completing nine of 12 passes while throwing for 197 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Orange has outscored opponents 196 to 43 on the season and are averaging 39 points a game, while the opposing teams are averaging a little under nine a game. The Panthers next play their homecoming game on October 4 against Northern Vance at 7. The school will be hosting a tailgate beginning at 5 pm to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Orange High.
Photo credit: Mr. Okun[/caption]Friday, September 6, the Orange High School Panthers football walked off the field with a 38 to 0 win over Riverside High School in Durham, NC. This moved the Panthers to 3-0 on the season after defeating Roxboro Person and North Durham, 40 to 7 and 42 to 15 respectively.
The team is led by junior quarterback, Garrett Cloer, who has already thrown for 471 yards and has had ten touchdowns in his first year as Orange's varsity starter. Also leading the team will be the running back duo of senior Patrick Pettiford and Junior Tay Jones. The two have combined almost 600 yards rushing and five touchdowns, and have also caught another four touchdown passes. The Panthers have also had a very strong defense, none of the 22 points scored against the team in their first three games have occurred while the starting defense was on the field.
Sophomore Bryse Wilson, who starts at linebacker, said that his goal for the team this season is to simply “go undefeated and win the state championship.” Wilson also spoke highly of his teammates, “They are all hard working and have the will to win.” Wilson, who has been playing football since the age of six says that the football team's success will have a positive impact on the school, “It gives the school more confidence and more of a will to come out and support not only the football team but also other sports.”
Wilson also says that the team embraces a rough style of football, “We like to play a smash mouth kind of game in order to open up the passing. On defense we are told to get to the ball and be angry when you get there.” He also states that being a Panther means something both on and off the field, “It means that when you are walking up and down the halls you are not only representing yourself, but also the team and coaches.”
Orange football had an excellent 2012 season, finishing 11-3 and making it to the semifinals of the 3A State Playoffs before losing to the eventual state champions, Havelock High School.
The next Panthers home game is September 13 at 7 pm against Graham High School. The team has asked all students to sit in the student section and wear white at the game. To learn more about the team and players, visit their website http://ohsfootball.weebly.com/index.html.